The Aging Muscle and Sarcopenia: Interaction with Diet and Nutrition

Advancing age is associated with changes in dietary behaviors that promote the development of sarcopenia and physical frailty. These two conditions, in turn, are major risk factors for several adverse health-related events, including disability, loss of independence, institutionalization, and mortality. Growing evidence indicates that the ingestion of adequate amounts of calories, protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may represent an effective countermeasure to sarcopenia and physical frailty. Supplementation with specific nutrients is advisable in older persons engaged in physical exercise programs. This chapter provides an overview of current dietary recommendations for the management of sarcopenia and physical frailty and highlights the therapeutic benefits that may be achieved via targeted nutrient supplementation.